If there’s one thing the UK has no shortage of, it’s theme parks.
From Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Thorpe Park, there are literally hundreds of theme parks and attraction sites all over the country, each claiming to offer the best value day out.
Theme parks are always popular with families looking for a fun day out, but with rides and attractions designed for all ages, it’s also a great thing to do with friends or a loved one.
With more than 40 rides, as well as a waterpark, mini golf and options to stay over in one of its themed hotels, Alton Towers consistently ranks highly in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards.
However, with tickets starting from £36 when booked online or £64 when bought at the gate, it’s definitely not the most budget-friendly option, especially if you're thinking of adding on extras like beat the queue perks, food and drink or even a stay over.
With that in mind, here are five theme parks that are cheaper than Alton Towers.
1. Lightwater Valley
Based in North Yorkshire, Lightwater Valley is perhaps best known as the home to Europe's longest rollercoaster, The Ultimate.
It offers more than 40 attractions, including the UK’s largest Tree Top Adventure Nets, the famous Eagle’s Claw and several fairground rides.
Location: Water Lane, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
Opening times : 10.30am-5pm on peak days during the school holidays or 10.30am-4pm on off-peak days
Ticket prices:
Standard admission (90cm+) - £22.50 off-peak or £26.50 peak when booked in advance online
Under 90cm - free admission
Senior (65+) - £20.50 off-peak or £24.50 peak when booked in advance online
2. Gulliver's World
Gulliver's World is a family-friendly theme park located in Warrington, Cheshire offering more than 25 rides across six themed areas.
Some of their most popular attractions include Pirate Ship, Pirates Cove, Alpine Log Flume, Adventure Canyon, Tree Top Swings and the Desperado Drop.
Location: Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ
Opening times: 10.30am-5pm on peak days during the school holidays or 10.30am-4pm on off-peak days
Ticket prices:
Adult/child - £23 online advance (book 2+ days in advance) or £29 online standard
Under 90cm - free admission
Senior - £21 online advance (book 2+ days in advance) or £27 online standard
Concessionary - £16
3. Legoland Windsor
Legoland Windsor is a popular theme park and resort in Windsor, Berkshire in England, themed around – you guessed it – the Lego brand.
The park features more than 55 rides and attractions, and visitors can also opt to stay over in the resort hotel or the castle hotel and dine in the Bricks Restaurant, Tournament Tavern or the Skyline Bar.
Location: Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY
Opening times: 10am-6pm on peak days during the school holidays or 10am-5pm on off-peak days
Ticket prices:
Adult/child general admission - £34 (online saver day ticket) or £66 on the gate
Under 90cm - free admission
Adult & pre-schooler - £29 per adult and pre-schooler when booked in advance online
4. Drayton Manor
With over 50 rides and attractions, as well as a zoo and on-site accommodation, Drayton Manor Theme Park really has it all.
Some of their most popular attractions include The Carousel, The Bounty Pirate Ship, Maelstrom, Thomas Land and Adventure Cove and the 15-acre open-plan zoo is home to over 100 animals from all over the world.
Location: Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW
Opening times: Opening times vary greatly depending on the day and month but you can find the opening times for your chosen dates here
Ticket prices:
General admission (4+) - from £30.50 when booked online
2-3 years - from £15
0-23 months - free admission
Adult and toddler under four - from £29 (only available Monday to Friday during Staffordshire term time)
5. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which can be found on Blackpool's South Shore in Lancashire, is home to 10 thrilling rollercoasters.
The highlights include Icon – the UK’s first double-launch rollercoaster – and the Big One, which stands at a pretty impressive 235ft.
Location: 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool FY4 1EZ
Opening times: 10am-5pm on off-peak days, 10am-6pm/7pm on peak days and 10am-10pm on select Saturdays - see here for more
Ticket prices:
